Bangkok, Thailand: Propelled by a hole-in-one, national team player Parin Sarasmut swept to an emphatic victory in the 90th edition of the Singha Thailand Amateur Open.

Parin aced the fourth hole during the third round at Panya Indra Golf Club (Course B and C) en route to a brilliant eight-under-par 62 that saw him bound clear at the top of the leaderboard.

With a closing 64 he posted a four-day aggregate of 18-under 262 for a five-stroke winning margin from Hong Kong, China’s Shen Wang-ngai.

A member of the Thai line-up at last year’s World Amateur Team Championships for the Eisenhower Trophy, Parin was also part of the Thailand team that claimed second place at last week’s Asian Junior Championships in Korea.

Currently 1,112th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Parin, who is not part of the seven-strong Thai contingent for next month’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Japan, is now poised to break into the top-1,000 for the first time.

Two Thai AAC representatives made the cut – Lapassapon Heras-Gomez placing ninth and Ingtawan Wangrungwichaisri ending in a share of 17th.

Teerawut Boonseeor, winner of this month’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Junior Boys’ Championship, tied for 32nd.

In a thrilling finale to the women’s championship, held concurrently, Achiraya Sriwong made a final-hole birdie to beat playing partner and defending champion Thitikarn Tharaphasit by one stroke.

Despite a nine-under 61 on day two, Achiraya trailed Thitikarn by one shot heading into the final round. Thanks to her last-day even-par 70, Achriaya compiled a total of 12-under 268 to edge Thitikarn, who signed off with a 72.

Already this year, Achiraya has impressed, claiming a third successive win in the Singha Thailand Ladies Amateur Open Championship and placing third in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at Siam Country Club. She is currently 84th in the WAGR.

Organised by the Thailand Golf Association (TGA) in collaboration with Singha Corporation Company Limited and the Sports Authority of Thailand, the championship attracted 120 golfers from 13 countries – Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and host Thailand.

Parin received his trophy from His Majesty King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, while Achiraya was presented with the women’s trophy by TGA President Rangsarit Laksithanon.